What does sponge hardness mean?
Sponge hardness is how firm a rubber's sponge is, usually given in degrees. Softer sponges are more forgiving and work at lower swing speeds; harder sponges need faster strokes but give more power and a more direct ball. Each brand measures differently, so compare degrees only within a brand and use broad bands across brands.
What the degree number measures
Manufacturers measure sponge hardness with a durometer, a gauge that presses into the sponge and records how much it resists. The higher the number, the firmer the sponge. Most brands print a figure in their product names or descriptions, such as Andro Rasanter R47 or Xiom Jekyll & Hyde V52.5.
The problem is that brands do not all use the same gauge, the same method or the same sample. That means a number from one maker cannot be converted exactly into another maker's number. According to the Open TT table of hardness scale equivalences, there is no fixed conversion, and players should compare bands rather than exact degrees.
Three common scales
Three families of scale come up most often:
- European (ESN-made) rubbers, used by many German-made tensors, including several andro, Donic, Tibhar, Xiom and Stiga sheets.
- Chinese rubbers, such as DHS Hurricane, where numbers are typically lower for a similar feel.
- Butterfly, which uses its own scale again.
As an approximate guide, based on Open TT's table, ESN-made sponges feel roughly like this:
| Band | ESN-made (approximate) | Typical feel |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | about 37° to 42° | Forgiving, more catapult at low speed |
| Medium | about 42° to 47° | Balanced; suits most club players |
| Hard | about 47° to 50° | Firm, powerful, needs fast strokes |
These ranges are approximate and only a starting point. A Chinese rubber marked 40° will usually feel firmer than an ESN rubber marked 40°, because Chinese numbers run lower for the same feel.
Soft, medium and hard: what each does
Soft sponge
A soft sponge compresses easily, so even a gentle stroke reaches the "catapult" zone where the sponge springs back. That makes soft rubbers easier to play with at low and medium swing speeds, with a higher arc and more margin. The downside is that they can bottom out on very hard hits, losing control at full power.
Medium sponge
A medium sponge is the compromise most club players end up with. It is forgiving enough for blocks and short strokes, yet firm enough to handle powerful loops without bottoming out.
Hard sponge
A hard sponge needs a fast, full stroke to compress. When you reach that point, it gives more power, a flatter and more penetrating ball, and more stability when you hit hard. On slow or short strokes it can feel dead or "board-like". Hard sponges suit strong attackers and players with excellent technique.
Forehand vs backhand hardness
Many players use a harder rubber on the forehand and a softer one on the backhand. The forehand usually has a longer, faster stroke that can compress a hard sponge, while backhand strokes are shorter and benefit from the extra help of a softer sponge. A common set-up is to stay within one rubber family but drop one step in hardness on the backhand.
Examples by band: same family, different hardness
The easiest way to understand hardness is to compare one rubber family at different hardnesses. Hardness figures below come from each product's name or product page.
Andro Rasanter
- Rasanter R37: a soft 37° sponge, described by andro as giving precise, dynamic topspin while keeping control.
- Rasanter R42: a medium 42° sponge for control over spin, with excellent feedback.
- Rasanter R47: a 47° sponge for aggressive topspin at high speed.
- Rasanter R53: the hardest of the four, with andro's Energy Cell sponge for aggressive topspin and opening attacks.
Andro NUZN
- NUZN 45: adapted for ambitious players below the top level, with a slightly sticky topsheet on a controlled tensor sponge.
- NUZN 55: a 55° hard sponge that, andro says, needs well-practised technique to get the most from it.
Stiga Helix Platinum
- Helix Platinum M, Helix Platinum H and Helix Platinum XH: one design with Stiga's Optimized Energy Sponge, offered in medium, hard and extra-hard versions as the letters suggest.
Xiom Jekyll & Hyde V
- Jekyll & Hyde V47.5 and Jekyll & Hyde V52.5: the number in the name is the hardness, so V47.5 is the softer of the two. Our Jekyll & Hyde comparison covers the full range.
DHS Hurricane 3
- Hurricane 3 Neo 37 Soft: a 37° Neo sponge on the DHS scale, easier to activate and well suited to the backhand.
- Hurricane 3 Hard: the same tacky topsheet on a very hard sponge, firmer and more demanding than standard.
Note how the DHS "37" is described as soft, while a Rasanter R37 is also soft, but the two are on different scales. That is exactly why cross-brand comparisons need care. Our guide to Chinese vs European rubbers explains the wider differences, and our Tenergy alternatives guide shows how to compare Butterfly rubbers with others.
How thickness changes the feel
Thickness and hardness work together. A thicker sponge gives more speed and makes a rubber feel slightly softer and more catapulty, because there is more sponge to compress. A thinner sponge feels firmer and more direct, with more feel for the blade. If a rubber feels too hard in Max, 2.0 mm will not make it softer; it will make it a little firmer and slower. In that case, step down a hardness band instead.
FAQ
What hardness rubber should I use?
Most club players do well with a medium sponge, roughly 42° to 47° on an ESN-made rubber. Beginners and players with shorter strokes often prefer soft. Hard sponges suit strong attackers with fast, full technique.
Is 40 degrees hard?
It depends on the brand. On an ESN-made European rubber, 40° is soft. On a Chinese rubber, 40° usually feels firmer, because Chinese scales run lower for the same feel. Always check which brand's scale the number comes from.
Why are Chinese hardness numbers lower?
Chinese manufacturers measure on a different scale. There is no fixed conversion, but for a similar feel, Chinese numbers are typically lower than European ones. Compare bands, not exact numbers.
Soft or hard sponge for backhand?
Usually softer. Backhand strokes are shorter and slower, so a softer sponge reaches its catapult more easily. Many players use one hardness step softer on the backhand than the forehand.
Does thickness change how hard a rubber feels?
Yes, slightly. Thicker sponges feel a bit softer and faster because there is more sponge to compress. Thinner sponges feel firmer and more direct.
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